Aryna Sabalenka has issued a stark warning: the world’s best tennis players could walk away from Grand Slam tournaments like the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open unless they get a fairer share of the pie.
Speaking ahead of the French Open, which kicks off May 18, the Belarusian star didn’t mince words. She claimed players received just 15.5% of Roland Garros’ revenue in 2024, and that number is projected to drop to 14.9% this year. For Sabalenka, that’s a deal-breaker.
“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment,” she said. “I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage. I think at some point we will boycott it. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights.”
Sabalenka’s frustration goes beyond money. She pointed to issues with player representation, inadequate health benefits, and a lack of pension plans. It’s a growing chorus of discontent that could reshape the sport.
American star Coco Gauff echoed Sabalenka’s call for unity, suggesting the WTA Tour could learn from the WNBA’s collective bargaining model. “From the things I’ve seen with other sports, usually to make massive progress and things like this, it takes a union. We have to become unionized in some way,” Gauff said. “If everyone were to move as one and collaborate, yeah, I can 100% see that a boycott.”
Elena Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, also threw her weight behind the idea. “If the majority say we are boycotting, we are not playing, then of course I’m up for it,” Rybakina said. “It’s not only on the Grand Slams, and it’s not only about raising the prize money. A lot of people are not aware that there is taxes which are big. You even make more prize money, but you giving it all to the taxes.”
This isn’t an isolated sports dispute. Across the sporting world, athletes are increasingly pushing for better terms. For instance, Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently warned that a crew chief swap won't fix Kyle Busch's problems, highlighting how deeper issues often require systemic change.
Similarly, Paul Finebaum has warned that the college gambling crisis is just getting started, another sign that sports organizations need to address underlying concerns before they spiral.
The question now is whether Grand Slam organizers will negotiate or risk a historic walkout. With the French Open just weeks away, the clock is ticking. If the players follow through, it could be the biggest shake-up tennis has ever seen.
